Anchorage, AK Good Friday Earthquake, Mar 1964

Anchorage, Alaska (AP) -- As Alaskans toiled to dig out from the rubble of Friday's great earthquake, Civil Defense officials listed new casualty figures today of 21 known dead and 83 missing and presumed.

Fifty-five were reported to have been injured.

This means if those presumed dead -- most were washed to sea by tidal waves following the quake -- are indeed dead the toll will be more than 100.

Before this morning's report, an estimated 70 had been listed as dead or presumed so.
Gov. WILLIAM A. EGAN made a new damage estimate Sunday night of $350 million for this far north state, where industry in several south-central coastal towns was virtually obliterated.
Civil Defense officials gave this breakdown on casualties:

A stunned population began to realize the economic ruin carried by the quake. In some communities, industry was as much as 95 per cent wiped out.

"It might take a year and a half to two years to rebuild," said BRUCE WOODFORD of smashed Valdez, "but we'll make it."

EGAN said his estimate of property damage was conservative. Other unofficial estimates were higher.

EGAN had increased the figure after visiting Valdez, his home town.

Information from many of the heavy hit areas was sketchy at best. In Kodiak, where a tidal wave washed out the waterfront, one report said martial law had been proclaimed. Police refused to confirm or deny the report.

EDWARD A. McDERMOTT, President Johnson's personal representative on the scene, was flying back to Washington today to recommend special relief legislation.

The President already has declared the 49th state a major disaster area. McDERMOTT said it was obvious the full disaster relief program permitted under present law would not be enough.
At best, he said, it would take two to four months to get Alaskan economy into any workable shape.

Alaska Senators ERNEST GRUENING and E. L. (BOB) BARTLETT, also Washington-bound, indicated they would press for an immediate aid grant in Congress.